Welshpool hospital ward still shut by norovirus
A ward at Welshpool's hospital is still closed to new admissions due to cases of the diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus.
The cases are also known as the winter vomiting bug, and Powys Teaching Health board has told people only to visit the hospital if it is necessary, for example if there is a clinical need, or for patients receiving end of life care.
The minor injury unit also remains closed overnight to prevent transmission of the virus.
A statement said: "We regret that this also means that the Minor Injury Service at Welshpool Hospital is temporarily closed overnight (9pm to 8.30am). This is because the overnight service is provided by the Maldwyn Ward nursing team, and it is vital that we reduce the risk of cross-infection. For advice about minor injuries overnight please contact NHS 111.
"Alternative overnight services are available from the A&E departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, County Hospital in Hereford and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience, and the service will resume once the cases of diarrhoea and vomiting on the ward have cleared.
"Please do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms within the last 48 hours.
"These bugs can be highly contagious, so we are grateful for your help to keep patients free from infection. If you are unsure whether to visit please feel free to contact the ward before you come into hospital."
A similar outbreak also affected patients at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital recently.
